Shavonne Grate
Secondary Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Francis Marion University; Master of Education, Concordia University
Shavonne Grate started teaching in 2015 and joined Lowcountry Connections Academy (LCCA) in 2020, where she teaches science to students in grades 6–12. According to Ms. Grate, the most rewarding part of teaching at LCCA is the collaboration among teachers, administrators, and staff members.
Why I Became a Teacher
When I was in college, I worked with kids at the Child Development Center on campus and realized I had a passion for teaching. After passing my teaching exam, I moved back to my hometown where I taught at the high school I graduated from. Working in the community I was raised in alongside the teachers who taught me increased my love for teaching even more. The teachers and coaches I had growing up really inspired me to make teaching a lifelong career.
What I love most about teaching students online is being able to connect with them one-on-one. This enables me to support students individually, and in a way I never really could in a brick-and-mortar classroom.
The Online Experience at Lowcountry Connections Academy
One of the main ways I foster student engagement is through on-camera LiveLesson® sessions. During these meetings, I try to make the lessons interactive and encourage students to participate and interact. I like to open my LiveLesson® room 5–10 minutes before class actually starts to give students time to interact by discussing hobbies, interests, and weekend activities.
My favorite classroom activity is the game-based learning platform Kahoot!. My students absolutely love the competition. It gives them the chance to interact with the content and with one another at the same time. A close second would be using breakout rooms to have students collaborate. I love jumping from room to room and hearing the conversations and discussions taking place.
“I have always been a strong believer in teachers teaching more than just their content. We are also mentors, friends, and advocates for our students.”
— Ms. Grate
What Families Considering This School Should Keep in Mind
In this program, the more interaction students have with their teachers and peers, the more successful they will be. Although this is a virtual program, our students are not isolated. We keep them engaged in the curriculum, we get to know them as individuals, and we encourage them to interact.
An education at this school helps students develop independence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. By having the flexibility to work on their own time while still following deadlines, students learn how to plan their time. This helps prepare them for success, whether they are heading into college, the workforce, or the military.
My Interests
Most of my free time is spent with my family. We love to do things outdoors together, especially going to the beach! I also love reading and creating.